In Blackest Night…
Disclaimer: Browsing through Arlyss' list of fics recently inspired this lovely little idea of mine. Set a month after Tommy graduates high school.
Summary: Tommy joins the Green Lantern Corps.
"I see the ring has found its new bearer, young one." Called out a voice that made 18 year old Tommy Merlyn jump in startlement.
The night having gone and gotten pretty weird on him when he found himself with a funky green ring while trying to help an elderly woman fend off three thugs. Said ring forming shapes out of green energy that fended off said thugs and got them to run away. Sadly, the elderly woman had done the same thing too thanks to being frightened by his odd ball manner of help. And Tommy, being a little unsure of the ring himself, had quickly taken it off and was about to throw it when the voice spoke up. "What!? Who said that!?" Asked the frightened young man.
Whom had helped that elderly woman because he knew his mother would have more than likely done the same thing were she still alive. Unlike his cold hearted bastard of a father. "I did." Declared the voice, making Tommy look up and for his eyes to widen at the sight of what had to be a bonafide Alien thanks to his red skin, strange green and black outfit, and the green glow that surrounded him.
"Wha-What are you?" Stuttered out Tommy in shock.
"An Ungaran to be precise, and a member of what is known as the Green Lantern Corps."
"An Ungaran? Green Lantern Corps? I've never, I've never heard of those things!"
"Considering I am what your people would consider an Alien? I am not surprised, young one."
Tommy's eyes widened in shock at hearing that! "You're… Alien… HOLY CRAP!" Shouted the teenager.
The figure chuckled as he came closer to Tommy. "I am Abin Sur, and you are?"
"T-Tommy, Tommy Merlyn. And if… If you're an Alien, how can I understand you?" He flinched and closed his eyes as he wasn't sure if that was considered rude for the Alien.
"At ease, young Tommy, I will not harm you for I imagine it is understandable to ask such a question given your people have never met a race outside of your planet before. As for your question, the rings we both wear on our fingers allows for understanding between our respective races. It is one such feature that is bestowed on those chosen by the ring."
Tommy opened his eyes hesitantly and brought his hand up to look at the ring that had found its way to his hand. "This… This little thing can let you understand people?" He asked in disbelief.
Abin nodded. "Its power is truly a great one and is only wielded by those the ring itself feels is worthy." Replied the Lantern.
Making Tommy look at the ring with a doubtful expression on his face. "I… I don't know, I'm not sure I'm worthy enough for something like this." He said doubtfully.
Especially when he wasn't the type to take life all that seriously except in certain circumstances like tonight for example. Along with that lovely feeling like he's not enough for his own father and how much that hurts him. Even if he refuses to even mention that to himself a majority of the time as it is. Sensing there's more to this then he truly knows and deciding to leave it alone for the time being, Abin continued on. "Perhaps with time, you will come to believe, young Tommy. In not only the ring's choice in who to bear it, but in yourself as well as you learn to wield it and its powers. And in addition, protect the universe and its peoples."
Tommy looked at him. "Why does that sound like I'd be gone awhile?" Wondered the young man.
Feeling grateful the Alien had chosen to not pry further into his business and easily seeing a certain issue and asking on it. Abin nodded with a smile. "Smarter then you obviously give yourself credit for, my friend. But you are right to believe you'd be gone for some time. Though it is my hope that you will be allowed to be my partner for this sector as it is not easy to patrol it on my own."
Though ideally, there'd be more than just two patrolling each sector but time for such a thing would happen whenever it happened. "Uhh… Considering the plans my dad has for me and my plans to avoid those plans, I'm not quite sure I can just go off and leave with you, man."
"Were it not for my duties elsewhere in this sector, I would be willing to stay here and help train you myself, young Tommy. But I am certain that given your own plans for your life, you can find a workable solution."
"Hmm… Maybe I can." He'd just have to think it up.
And besides, going off into outer space!? He couldn't pass that up! In the end, Tommy came up with a story that he was going to third world countries to help out wherever he could. Naturally, Malcolm wasn't too high on this plan and even cut him off. Not that this hurt Tommy any of course and though the training was definitely tough on Oa, Tommy perservered and came to believe in himself more. Luckily, he would get to be Abin's partner for his sector of space. Allowing him to come to Earth whenever he could but there would come a time when he would end up being on Earth on a great deal more then before when his best friend was lost in the North China Sea. For those closest to them would need him around after Oliver's death and allowing him to be able to help out more with his ring on Earth when needed.
Author's Notes: Do got an idea or two for a continuation of this idea but not sure when I'd get to it. Though if anyone wants to continue, more than welcome too. But no Olicity.